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[[Image:Bayard-Logo.svg|center|320px|Bayard logo from '30s]]

[[Image:Bayard-Logo.svg|center|320px|Bayard logo from '30s]]

[[Bayard]] is a major historic French fountain pen brand; the company was founded in 1922 and has continued operations until the '60s when, as most historical producers, was taken down by the revolution of the ballpoint pen.

[[Bayard]] is a major historic French fountain pen brand; the company was founded in 1922 and has continued operations until the '60s when, as most historical producers, was taken down by the revolution of the ballpoint pen.

[[Image:1923-Bayard.jpg|thumb|A 1923 [[Bayard]] ADs]]

[[Image:1923-Bayard.jpg|thumb|A 1923 [[Bayard]] ADs]]

The company officially took the name [[Bayard]] only in 1934, when the ''Panic Frères & Co.'' was renamed in ''Stylo Bayard''. The company had its origins in the late years of 1800, starting from the activities of a Parisian bookseller, ''Etienne Forbin'', who in 1903 took the reselling rights of various American writing instruments producers. In 1912 he registered the trademark [[Bayard]]. In 1922 the Forbin grandchildrens resumed the work of their grandfather founding the ''Société Panic Frères'' and started a fountain pens production. But for marketing reasons, they used as trademark the name of the medieval knight [http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Terrail_de_Bayard Pierre Terrail de Bayard], that was an hero of the wars in the medieval Italy, considered as the image of the knight without fear and without blemish.

The company officially took the name [[Bayard]] only in [[1934]], when the ''Panic Frères & Co.'' was renamed in ''Stylo Bayard''. The company had its origins in the late years of 1800, starting from the activities of a Parisian bookseller, ''Etienne Forbin'', who in [[1903]] took the reselling rights of various American writing instruments producers. In [[1912]] he registered the trademark [[Bayard]]. In [[1922]] the Forbin grandchildrens resumed the work of their grandfather founding the ''Société Panic Frères'' and started a fountain pens production. But for marketing reasons, they used as trademark the name of the medieval knight [http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Terrail_de_Bayard Pierre Terrail de Bayard], that was an hero of the wars in the medieval Italy, considered as the image of the knight without fear and without blemish.

The initial models were the classic pens in [[BCHR|chased]] or [[mottled]] hard rubber, made in cylindrical shapes with the classical [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] or [[safety]] filling system. There were also luxury models with gold or silver [[overlay]]s. The pens were advertised using the figure of a knight who had a nib as a shield and a pen as a spear; the advertising claimed that the [[Bayard]] pens did not feared competition or remarks on their quality. The nibs of these first models were marked with the symbol PF (standing for ''Panici Frères'') except for the top models that had the nib marked with the word ''Bayard'', which otherwise was normally reported on the pen body.

The initial models were the classic pens in [[BCHR|chased]] or [[mottled]] hard rubber, made in cylindrical shapes with the classical [[eyedropper filler|eyedropper]] or [[safety]] filling system. There were also luxury models with gold or silver [[overlay]]s. The pens were advertised using the figure of a knight who had a nib as a shield and a pen as a spear; the advertising claimed that the [[Bayard]] pens did not feared competition or remarks on their quality. The nibs of these first models were marked with the symbol PF (standing for ''Panici Frères'') except for the top models that had the nib marked with the word ''"Bayard"'', which otherwise was normally reported on the pen body.

In 1927 were first introduced [[lever filler]] models, that in 1930 were divided into two series, the ''Normal'' and the ''De Luxe''. In the late '20s the company began to produce their firsts celluloid models, and launched the [[Bayard 446|446]] series, in jade, ruby and lapislazuli, with a special removable back that could be replaced to use the pen on a pen-holders table.

In [[1927]] were first introduced [[lever filler]] models, that in [[1930]] were divided into two series, the ''Normal'' and the ''De Luxe''. In the late '20s the company began to produce their firsts celluloid models, and launched the [[Bayard 446|446]] series, in jade, ruby and lapislazuli, with a special removable back that could be replaced to use the pen on a pen-holders table.

In 1932 production was reorganized, and an economic model, the [[Special 8]] was launched; it was a [[lever filler]], in black or marbled celluloid black with an metal alloy nib. It was then introduced the model [[Superluxe]], always a [[lever filler]], but with gold nib and produced in black, iridescent marbled gold or iridescent marbled green celluloid. The new pens had [[streamlined]] forms, with the ends of cap and body of conical shape, and were produced both men and woman models.

In [[1932]] production was reorganized, and an economic model, the [[Special 8]] was launched; it was a [[lever filler]], in black or marbled celluloid black with an metal alloy nib. It was then introduced the model [[Superluxe]], always a [[lever filler]], but with gold nib and produced in black, iridescent marbled gold or iridescent marbled green celluloid. The new pens had [[streamlined]] forms, with the ends of cap and body of conical shape, and were produced both men and woman models.

The next year another models reorganization was made, the [[Special 8]] economic model was introduced, with a metallic. The pen had two ring on the cap and and black or marbled body; the same was for the [[Luxe]] and the [[Superluxe]] models that were coupled with it, but that were equipped with gold nibs. It was then introduced the ''[[Superluxe|Superluxe Grosse Containance]]'' model, with an increased size and bigger ink capacity, that had a decorated band on the cap. The [[Special 8]] e [[Luxe]] models were provided with a tie-shaped clip inserted on the cap, while the [[Superluxe]] and ''[[Superluxe|Superluxe Grosse Containance]]''  had a spear-shaped [[washer clip]]. The next year the clip was engraved the name ''Bayard''.

The next year another models reorganization was made, the [[Special 8]] economic model was introduced, with a metallic. The pen had two ring on the cap and and black or marbled body; the same was for the [[Bayard Luxe|Luxe]] and the [[Superluxe]] models that were coupled with it, but that were equipped with gold nibs. It was then introduced the ''[[Superluxe|Superluxe Grosse Containance]]'' model, with an increased size and bigger ink capacity, that had a decorated band on the cap. The [[Special 8]] e [[Bayard Luxe|Luxe]] models were provided with a tie-shaped clip inserted on the cap, while the [[Superluxe]] and ''[[Superluxe|Superluxe Grosse Containance]]''  had a spear-shaped [[washer clip]]. The next year the clip was engraved the name ''Bayard''.

In 1935 the [[Superluxe]] cap rings were replaced by a decorated band. The clip of both this model and the ''[[Superluxe|Grosse Capacité]]'' (new name of ''[[Superluxe|Grosse Containance]]'') model were built in the shape of a tie, but without the ''Bayard'' name engraving. In 1937 a model with an intermediate size between the [[Luxe]] and the [[Superluxe]] was introduced. It was called [[Special Luxe]], and made by marbled colored celluloid,  with the usual decorated band on the cap, which decoration was amended the following year. In 1939, following the trend introduced by the [[Vacumatic]], [[Bayard]] introduced a new model equipped with transparent barrel to stem the ink level vision, called [[Niveauclair]].

In [[1935]] the [[Superluxe]] cap rings were replaced by a decorated band. The clip of both this model and the ''[[Superluxe|Grosse Capacité]]'' (new name of ''[[Superluxe|Grosse Containance]]'') model were built in the shape of a tie, but without the ''Bayard'' name engraving. In [[1937]] a model with an intermediate size between the [[Bayard Luxe|Luxe]] and the [[Superluxe]] was introduced. It was called [[Special Luxe]], and made by marbled colored celluloid,  with the usual decorated band on the cap, which decoration was amended the following year. In [[1938]],<ref>date is uncertain, [https://web.archive.org/web/20130601100021/http://paperandco.com/blog/2011/10/stylo-plume-bayard-sans-peur-et-sans-reproche this page] reports 1939, but the name is citen in some December 1938 advertising, so we assume this year.</ref> following the trend introduced by the [[Vacumatic]], [[Bayard]] introduced a new model equipped with transparent barrel to stem the ink level vision, called [[Niveauclair]].

[[Image:Bayard-Excelsior-Instro-Back.jpg|thumb|Instruction for the [[Excelsior]] model]]

[[File:194x-Bayard-Excelsior-Instro-Back.jpg|thumb|Instruction for the [[Excelsior]] model]]

In that same period two other flagship sub-brands were also used directed towards two different market segments: the ''Excelsior'' brand for the second tier of medium quality pen production, and the ''Alpin'' brand used for cheaper pens produced for the lower end of the market, mainly students and schoolchildren.  

In that same period two other flagship sub-brands were also used directed towards two different market segments: the ''Excelsior'' brand for the second tier of medium quality pen production, and the ''Alpin'' brand used for cheaper pens produced for the lower end of the market, mainly students and schoolchildren.  

In 1940 there was a restyling of the [[Luxe]] line going towards a more streamlined cap but maintaining the conical ends of the pen. It was also introduced the new [[Superstyl]] model, still a [[lever filler]], in two  versions for men and women. The [[Superstyl]] had three rings on the cap and a spear-shaped clip with a double "V" pattern; it was made of celluloid produced in many colors, and equipped with a gold nib. The next year the [[Super Luxe]] model was introduced, a cheaper and smaller pen, reiterating the lines of the [[Special 8]], and aimed at young people.  

In [[1940]] there was a restyling of the [[Bayard Luxe|Luxe]] line going towards a more streamlined cap but maintaining the conical ends of the pen. It was also introduced the new [[Superstyl]] model, still a [[lever filler]], in two  versions for men and women. The [[Superstyl]] had three rings on the cap and a spear-shaped clip with a double "V" pattern; it was made of celluloid produced in many colors, and equipped with a gold nib. The next year the [[Super Luxe]] model was introduced, a cheaper and smaller pen, reiterating the lines of the [[Special 8]], and aimed at young people.  

[[Image:1944-Bayard.jpg|thumb|left|A 1944 [[Bayard]] ADs]]

[[Image:1944-Bayard.jpg|thumb|left|A 1944 [[Bayard]] ADs]]

The Second World War period was critical, as the use of gold was forbidden in many European country, and the celluloid supply began to run low. The company still tried to maintain high quality, while using steel nibs. Around 1943 was introduced the [[Excelsior]] model; it was very similar to the [[Superstyl]], but with a steel nib branded with the ''Excelsior'' name. The innovative feature of this pen was that the whole nib block was interchangeable, since the steel nibs were subject to greater wear, and the pen was sold with a spare The model was successful, and despite the restrictions had disappeared after the war, it remained in production until 1948.

The Second World War period was critical, as the use of gold was forbidden in many European country, and the celluloid supply began to run low. The company still tried to maintain high quality, while using steel nibs. Around [[1943]] was introduced the [[Excelsior]] model; it was very similar to the [[Superstyl]], but with a steel nib branded with the ''Excelsior'' name. The innovative feature of this pen was that the whole nib block was interchangeable, since the steel nibs were subject to greater wear, and the pen was sold with a spare The model was successful, and despite the restrictions had disappeared after the war, it remained in production until [[1948]].

In 1947 the most successful models like the [[Special 8]], the [[Special Luxe]] and the [[Bayard 4|4]] underwent a restyling following the overseas trends. In 1949 also the [[Superstyl]] had a restyling, and was produced with a more streamlined shape without the double "V" pattern on the clip. In the same year the company launched some other models: the [[Special Luxe]], the [[Capostil]] with ''[[hooded nib]]'', and an economic version of the [[Special 8]]. All of them were [[lever filler]].

In [[1947]] the most successful models like the [[Special 8]], the [[Special Luxe]] and the [[Bayard 4|4]] underwent a restyling following the overseas trends. In [[1949]] also the [[Superstyl]] had a restyling, and was produced with a more streamlined shape without the double "V" pattern on the clip. In the same year the company launched some other models: the [[Special Luxe]], the [[Capostil]] with ''[[hooded nib]]'', and an economic version of the [[Special 8]]. All of them were [[lever filler]].

In the early 50's the stylistic lines were uniformed and the various series took a similar form. All models moved to a fully streamlined shape losing the tapered conical ends. In 1950 the luxury model [[Super Bayard]] was launched; in the same period other models were born such the [[Bayard 2000]]. Also some [[pump filler]] models like the ''Excelsior 507'' were produced, and also some [[accordion filler]] model (the [[Stylomine]] patent was expired) like the [[Fit]].  

In the early 50's the stylistic lines were uniformed and the various series took a similar form. All models moved to a fully streamlined shape losing the tapered conical ends. In [[1950]] the luxury model [[Super Bayard]] was launched; in the same period other models were born such the [[Bayard 2000]]. Also some [[pump filler]] models like the ''Excelsior 507'' were produced, and also some [[accordion filler]] model (the [[Stylomine]] patent was expired) like the [[Fit]].  

During the '50s the company underwent a continuous decline in sales caused by the growing market share of the ballpoint pen. [[Bayard]] try a revival in 1956 with the [[Souverain de Luxe]] model, a streamlined pen, with [[hooded nib|covered nib]] and [[accordion filler]], produced with a metal cap. But at the time the writing instruments market was dominated by ballpoint pens; smaller models were introduced, such as the [[Bayard 20]], the [[Bayard 30]] and the [[Karting]], a [[cartridge filler]], but the decline continued relentlessly until the final closure in the mid of '70s.

During the '50s the company underwent a continuous decline in sales caused by the growing market share of the ballpoint pen. [[Bayard]] try a revival in [[1956]] with the [[Souverain de Luxe]] model, a streamlined pen, with [[hooded nib|covered nib]] and [[accordion filler]], produced with a metal cap. But at the time the writing instruments market was dominated by ballpoint pens; smaller models were introduced, such as the [[Bayard 20]], the [[Bayard 30]] and the [[Karting]], a [[cartridge filler]], but the decline continued relentlessly until the final closure in the mid of '70s.

{{BrandChrono}}

{{BrandChrono|Bayard}}

== External references ==

== External references ==

* http://web.archive.org/web/20071012005121/www.stylos-francais.fr/bayard.php

* [http://bayard-sans-reproche.com] Page of the brand owners, with many historical information.

* http://bayard.penandco.com/accueil_us.html

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20071012005121/www.stylos-francais.fr/bayard.php] Brand page on a decommissioned website on French fountain pens.

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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130601100021/http://paperandco.com/blog/2011/10/stylo-plume-bayard-sans-peur-et-sans-reproche] Brand page on a decommissioned website.

<references/>